WORLD HIGHLIGHTS

►UK LONDON

Britain exited recession with stronger-than-expected growth in the first quarter of 2024, official data showed yesterday, in a boost to embattled Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of this year's election.

►Japan TOKYO

Japan's parliament yesterday enacted revised laws to set up a joint command headquarters for the Self-defence Forces' ground, maritime and air units by the end of March 2025 to bolster new security domains such as cyberspace.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Japan from May 20 to 23 when he will meet the emperor and the prime minister, Tokyo said yesterday.

►South Korea SEOUL

South Korea's foreign minister Cho Tae-yul will visit China between Monday and Tuesday next week at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Seoul's foreign ministry said yesterday.

►Philippines MANILA

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday said that one of the four Filipino sailors taken hostage by Iranian forces last month has been freed.

►Afghanistan KABUL

Afghan Acting Deputy Prime Minister on Political Affairs Mawlawi Abdul Kabir has accused the United States of violating the country's airspace, local media reported yesterday.

►New Zealand WELLINGTON

New Zealand students have among the world's highest digital device use, and the highest in-class internet use in the world, ending with long stretches of time in front of screens with dry eyes, back pain, poor sleep, and anxiety, according to research published yesterday.

►US WASHINGTON

The US Homeland Security Department on Thursday proposed a new rule that would allow for swifter expulsion of asylum seekers deemed to be a national security threat or who have been convicted of serious crimes. AGENCIES